Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week

Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week is this week! This week gives us an opportunity to acknowledge the profound impact mental health has on the entire family and to destigmatize the struggles many mothers face silently. The Blue Dot Project created this initiative to raise awareness and help reduce the stigma surrounding perinatal mental health disorders. This year’s theme is Storytelling Saves Lives and will feature stories from women and families impacted by perinatal mental health concerns, that promote ideas of solidarity, hope, and empowerment. During the week of May 5th-11th, the Blue Dot Project will post on their social media outlets informative resources and personal stories.

Amidst the joy and excitement of motherhood, many new moms experience the baby blues. The baby blues is a common phrase referring to feelings of intense sadness or mood swings postpartum. According to the American Pregnancy Association about 70-80% of new mothers experience baby blues. There is no specific cause of the baby blues, but it may be related to hormonal changes in the brain postpartum, fatigue, and adjusting to monumental life changes. Symptoms of baby blues lasting more than two weeks can indicate postpartum depression or other mental health concerns. CDC research shows that 1 in 8 women experience postpartum depression. Listed below are symptoms that indicate extra support is recommended:

·      Feeling down, depressed, or, hopelessness

·      Thoughts of harming self or others

·      Feelings of irritability or restlessness

·      Withdrawing from loved ones

·      Feeling emotionally disconnected from the baby

·      Doubting your ability to care for the baby

·      Feeling guilt or shame about your ability to care for your baby

·      Obsessive thoughts about the baby’s safety

Coping Strategies

Self-Care

Prioritize self-care activities that you enjoy. Self-care does not have to be something big or time-consuming, it can be something as small as listening to your favorite songs or taking a few minutes to sit outside. It can be whatever you enjoy doing that can help alleviate stress. Self-care gives you time for things that you genuinely enjoy or need in that moment.

Seek out Support

It takes a village; it is okay to ask for help from loved ones. If you need help or need a break do not hesitate to lean on friends and family. It can be isolating and lonely at times, but you are not alone! There are new mom support groups and other parenting groups that will connect you with people going through similar experiences. If you are having difficulties fostering connections and support from others it is recommended that you seek support through individual therapy and group therapy sessions.

Setting Realistic Goals          

Things may not go exactly as planned, which can be anxiety-provoking and frustrating. Be gentle with yourself and set small realistic goals. By breaking things down into smaller, more manageable steps it will help you focus on accomplishing one thing at a time. This can help you complete your task in a less anxiety-provoking way. Celebrate your accomplishments but understand that bumps in the road happen and that is part of your journey. Motherhood is not picture perfect but know that you are doing the best you can.

Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week helps us spread the word that new moms are not alone in this journey. Motherhood is a life-changing experience that comes with a mix of emotions, including moments of sadness, anxiety, and irritability. If you are struggling to cope, we have clinicians available to support you through the complexities of motherhood.